Birthplace James Whitcomb Riley "The Hoosier Poet" October 7, 1849–July 22, 1916 Editor, author, poet, lecturer and entertainer. One of the best known Hoosiers of all time, Riley first wrote under the name "Benj. F. Johnson of Boone" and was famous for his use of the Hoosier dialect. — Map (db m65222) HM